Re: The bigger they are, the harder they fall

[Ron Lindeboom] "While we slit our throats in a marketing sense to keep this forum alive when Autodesk's old team told us to kill it -- those people are now gone, so I must make that clear -- for years, most of the leader/members here in this forum never even bothered to stop by the COW booth and we would watch some walk right past it, look at us and just keep going."

That's disappointing to hear. While you and I have had some innings - you're been more critical of me than even my wife, and that says a lot - had I been to NAB since the ill fated discreet posse, I would have made a beeline to say hi and introduce myself. Lest anyone wonder, I'm very serious.

One of the problems with forums and on-line communication is that images of others often are formed that bear little resemblance to who they actually are. The fact that I met many of this forum's participants during that one NAB has always given me a deeper perspective on who they are as people as opposed to their words. I think that's one of the reasons why this place is a bit different than the other pastures on the COW. The relationships are less virtual.

While I haven't been back to NAB it's not been because I didn't want to go. Exactly the opposite. I don't enjoy Vegas and what it represents; I don't enjoy enjoy boozing, gambling, or seeing mediocre shows. I do enjoy the company of friends who share the same tools in their work. NAB is the same thing for me as a Friday night must be at the Mechanics Hall. Hopefully I'll be able to fit it in this year.

I do see the argument about booth expense. Though I'm sure you've considered it, why not have a hospitality suite and publicize on the COW? Wouldn't it serve the same purpose and cost a lot less? Could be a lot more entertaining than half the shows on the Strip. Except for Celine, that is.

David